Biaxially oriented polypropylene fi

Biaxially oriented polypropylene film (BOPP) has been developed over the last 35 years and is now widely used in place of cellophane, waxed paper, and aluminum foil. The polymer used in its manufacture, polypropylene, is derived from petroleum and consists only of carbon and hydrogen atoms. The production of polypropylene is safe and energy efficient, and the product is easily and cleanly handled.

"Biaxially oriented" means that the film is stretched in two different directions. Orientation brings about several changes in the film, such as lower elongation (harder to stretch), higher tensile strength for a given thickness, greater stiffness, improved optical properties, and improved barrier to water/gases. When barrier and sealing properties are required, they can be obtained by using either of two methods: coating the film, or co-extruding layers of different materials. We use the co-extrusion process because it makes the film totally recyclable. It is also a more efficient process.

There are four general steps that are taken to produce ready-to-ship BOPP film.

Co-extrusion process
Orientation of the film in two directions
Primary slitting of the BOPP film
Secondary slitting or Metallization